Automatic nozzle



June 24, 1969 w, MURRAY AUTOMATIC NOZ ZLE Sheet Filed Sept. 6. 1966 INVENT OR. kosmrl'tflllwemr ATTo/iwEm J1me 1969 R. w. MURRAY 3,451,444

AUTOMATI C NOZ ZLE Filed Sept. 6, 1966 Sheet 3 of 2 INVEN'TUR. KOBERTWMIIRRHY A rra/wwsa'xr United States Patent 3,451,444 AUTOMATIC NOZZLE Robert W. Murray, Brooklyn Park, Minn., assiguor to American National Valve Corporation, Minneapolis,

Minn.

Filed Sept. 6, 1966, Ser. No. 577,429 Int. Cl. B65b 57/06 US. Cl. 141-225 12 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE This invention relates to a combination valve and nozzle assembly for dispensing liquid from a flow-line under pressure into a container, and more particularly to such an assembly which automatically closes to shut oif the flow when the container is substantially full of liquid. The automatic nozzle according to the present invention is especially adapted for dispensing gasoline and similar liquid fuels.

The automatic nozzle according to the present invention is characterized by simplicity of design incorporating a minimum number of parts. The nozzle is of rugged long-wearing construction. The small number of parts simplified manufacture and assembly of the nozzle. The absence of many moving parts minimizes wear so that the nozzles require little or no maintenance. If maintenance is required, the simple construction makes repair and replacement of parts easy.

The invention is illustrated by the accompanying drawings in which:

FIGURES 1 and 1A together are a side elevation of the valve and nozzle assembly with parts broken away and in section to show the details of interior construction;

FIGURE 2 is a fragmentary elevation showing details of the latch subas-sembly;

FIGURE 3 is a section on the line 33 of FIGURE 1 and in the direction of the arrows, again showing the latch subassembly;

FIGURE 4 is a fragmentary section on the line 3-3 of FIGURE 1 and in the direction of the arrows showing a detail of the stem locking means; and

FIGURE 5 is a section on the line 5-5 of FIGURE 1 and in the direction of the arrows.

Referring to the drawings, the valve and nozzle assembly according to the present invention includes a body indicated generally at 10, a handle assembly indicated generally at 11 attached to one end of the body and a spout 12 attached to the opposite end of the body. Body is generally hollow. Its smaller downstream end 13 is threaded and spout 12 is connected thereto by means of a retaining nut 14. A fender guard formed from gasoline resistant plastic or synthetic rubber material is desirably formed over body 10 and nut 14. For a purpose explained in detail hereinafter, a length of tubing 15, preferably copper, extends from the downstream end of body 10 to a fitting at the free end of nozzle spout 12. Fitting 16 includes an opening 17 which extends through the sidewall of spout 12 adjacent its free end and communicates with tube 15. A resilient sleeve 18 of gasoline resistant synthetic resinous material is desirably fitted over tube over part of its length to minimize wear between the outside of tube 15 and inside of spout 12.

The forward or downstream end of handle assembly 11 includes a plate 19 which butts against the upstream end of body 10 and is secured thereto by a plurality of screws 20. An O-ring 21 or similar gasket means insures a tight seal between the handle assembly 11 and body 10. The top portion 22 of handle assembly 11 forms a palm rest when the dispensing nozzle is in use. A flow passage 23 extends through that portion of the handle assembly from a fitting 24 for attachment to the end of a hose from a gasoline pump to a flow channel 2 5 in body 10. A further O-ring 26 around the downstream end of passage 23 between the upstream end of body 10 and downstream end of handle 'assembly 11 insures against leakage.

Channel communicates a central chamber 27 in body 10. A spool-like bushing composed of a tubular body 28 and spaced apart flanges 29 'and 30 is pressed in a tight fit in the downstream end of chamber 27. 0- rings 31 and 32 insure a tight seal between the bushing and inside wall of body 10. The upstream end of the bushing tubular body 28 functions as a valve seat 33 which, in cooperation with a ring or washer or disc valving member 34 formed of tough long wearing rubber or synthetic resinous material, functions as a shut-off for flow through the automatic nozzle. Washer 34 is carried in a cap 35 which is secured to a plunger 36 extending axially in central chamber 27 of body 10.

As will be explained in greater detail hereinafter, plunger 36 is connected to a co-axial plunger stem 37, the end of which extends through plate: 19 of the handle assembly and is connected to a valve control lever 38 by nut 39. Lever 38 is pivoted at 40 in the handle assembly. When the automatic nozzle is connected to a gas pump, gasoline under pressure flows through passage 23 and channel 25 into chamber 27 of the nozzle body. Then, when the handle is grasped and lever 38 is lifted, plunger 36 is retracted to lift valve washer 34 from valve seat 33 to permit flow of liquid through tubular body 28 into and through spout 12.

The interior. body 10 is provided with .an inner horizontal wall 41 and an annular vertical wall 42 to which a cap or plate 43 is secured by means of screws 44 and sealed by means of O-ring 45 to define a vacuum chamber 46 which is generally coaxial with chamber 27. Plunger 36 extends through the hub -47 of plate or cap 43. An O-ring 48 insures against leakage around stem 36. A compression spring 49 bearing against the downstream face of cap 43 (which is stationary) normally urges valve washer 34 into shut-01f position against valve seat 33.

The upstream end of plunger 36 is hollow and tubular and the downstream end of plunger stem 37 fits telescopically therein. A plurality of holes 52 are spaced evenly about the upstream end of the tubular portion of plunger 36. A ball 53, prefer-ably a steel ball bearing or the like, is fitted into each of holes 52. The telescoping portion of plunger stem 37 is provided with an annular groove or channel into which ball-s 53 extend, as illustrated, when in locking position.

The balls are maintained in this locking position by means of a sleeve or collar 55 which fits with a sliding fit about the outside of the tubular end of plunger 36. The upstream end of sleeve or collar 55 is of enlarged interior diameter such that when the sleeve or collar is moved downstream relative to the plunger, the balls 52 are forced outwardly into the enlarged portion to release the locking connection between plunger 36 and plunger stem 37. The inside diameter of the upstream end of sleeve or collar 55 is such that the balls 53 are still maintained in the holes 52 in the tubular portion of plunge-r 36, but the balls then extend outw'ardly instead of inwardly.

Sleeve or collar 55 is carried by a resilient diaphragm 57, preferably formed from a rubber or rubber-like synthetic material, whose annular outer rim 58 is fitted against the cylindrical walls of vacuum chamber 46. A compression spring 59 between plate 43 and sleeve or collar 55 normally urges sleeve or collar 55 into locked pOsition, as illustrated, in which it forces the balls into contact with plunger stem 37. Another compression spring 60 likewise normally urges the downstream end of plunger stem 37 into locking telescoping relation with the upstream end of plunger 36. A small hole 61 through plate 19 vents that portion of the vacuum chamber between diaphragm 57 and the wall at the upstream end of that chamber formed by plate 19 of the handle assembly.

When lever 38 is lifted to open the valve by lifting washer 34 from valve seat 33, the valve is maintained open by a latching arrangement. A latch lever arm 62 is pivotally secured at 63 to one side of plate 19 of the handle assembly. As seen in FIGURE 3, a small flange 64 extends forwardly or downstream from the end of lever arm 62 which is adjacent to pivot 63. A spring loaded pin 66 extends from a channel 67 in plate 19 of the handle assembly (disposed on an axis generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the valve and nozzle assembly) and bears against flange 65 to maintain the latch lever arm 62 normaly in down or unlatched position.

A tab 68 extends from the opposite end of lever arm 62. This tab serves as a means for engagement by finger or thumb to lift the lever arm (against the pressure of spring loaded pin 66) into engagement with valve lever 38 in open position.

A plurality of circular plates 69, 70 and 71 of graduated decreasing diameters are carried by latch lever arm 62 about midway between pivot 63 and tab 68. These plates are adapted for engagement by the heel portion 73 of valve lever 38. Plates 69, 70 and 71 are suitably secured to the latch lever arms by means of screw 72 or other fastening means.

When valve lever 38 is lifted against the tension of springs 49 and 60 to open the valve, latch arm 62 is then lifted by means of tab 68. Tension is then relaxed on lever 38 to permit its heel portion 73 to engage one of plates 69, 70 or 71 depending upon the desired rate of flow of liquid through the valve and nozzle.

A cone member 74 is carried by plunger 36 downstream from valve washer 34. Cone 74 tapers inwardly in the downstream direction. As the plunger 36 is retracted, the area of the annular opening between the center of bushing 28 and cone 74 varies depending upon how far valve lever 38 is lifted and the plunger is withdrawn. The greater the distance of withdrawal of the plunger the greater is the area of the opening and the greater is the rate of flow.

The desired rate of flow is selected by the operator by raising latch lever 62 and valve lever 38 is released by the hand with its heel 73 in contact with one of the latch plates. Engagement with plate 69 results in the minimum flow and engagement with the smaller plate 72 results in maximum flow. The tension of springs 49 and 60 maintains the valve latch handle in engagement with the latch lever 62. Thus, if a service station attendant is filling a small car with a small gas tank, he will tend to use the lowest rate of flow so as to give himself time to clean the windshield, check the radiator, etc., as the tank is being filled. On the other hand, if he is filling a large tank, as in a truck, he will use the latch-setting permitting the maximum rate of flow.

When the tank is filled the latch is released and the valve is closed as a result of suction applied to the downstream end of vacuum chamber 46. This suction acting upon diaphragm 57 causes sleeve or collar 55 to be drawn forward or downstream, releasing balls 53 from engagement with the annular channel of plunger stem 37. When the plunger stem is unlocked from the plunger 36, the valve is snapped closed as a result of action of spring 49. Vacuum is applied to vacuum chamber 46 when the tank being filled is almost full, as follows. The flow of liquid through the narrow annular passage between the inside of tubular bushing 28 and the outside of cone 74 creates a high velocity flow. One or more passages 75 extend from the inside surface of bushing 28 to an annular channel 76 extending around the outside of bushing 28 between flanges 29 and 30. A small passage 77 communicates between channel 76 and tube 15 which extends to fitting 16 at the downstream end of spout 12.

The high velocity flow of gasoline through the bushing creates a venturi eflect causing suction to be applied through passage 75, channel 76, passage 77 and tube 15 to draw air through opening 17 of fitting 16, so long as that opening is exposed to air. Suction is also applied through passages 78 and 79 in body 10 and passage 80 in plate 43 to vacuum chamber 46. However, since the resistance offered by springs 49 and 60 is great and virtually no resistance is offered to the flow of air through tube 15 from the end of the spout, the effect of the suction on the vacuum chamber is insignificant until such time as opening 17 is closed off by virtue of the level of the fuel in the tank rising above that opening. Then, the liquid in the tank offers resistance which is greater than that offered by the springs.

As a consequence, suction against diaphragm 57 is sufficient to act upon that diaphragm to retract collar or sleeve 55 from its position in which the locking balls are maintained in locking position with plunger stem 37. As sleeve or collar 55 is retracted, the balls 53 are forced outwardly from holes 52 in the tubular end of plunger 36 out of engagement with the annular groove at the downstream end of plunger stem 37 and into the enlarged diameter portion of the sleeve or collar. The balls 53 remain partially retained by holes 52.

When the plunger stem is released from locking engagement, it slides telescopically out of the tubular end of plunger 36. Valve washer 34 is snapped into closing position against valve seat 33 by virtue of the force exerted by spring 49. The movement of the diaphragm 57 and sleeve or collar 55 and release of the locking means between plunger 36 and plunger stem 37 ordinarily slightly jars the plunger stem. This action is transmitted to the valve lever 38 so as to momentarily relax the spring loaded engagement between the heel 73 of the valve lever and one of the latching plates carried by latch arm 62. Latch arm 62 then drops out of the way due to the action of the spring loaded pin 66 acting upon the flange 65. If the valve latch is not automatically released, it is released by the operator when he hand feeds additional gasoline to fill the tank to its brim.

Plunger stem 37 is then forced forward under pressure of spring 60 as a result of joint pressure exerted by springs 59 and 60, sleeve or collar 55 is urged back into locking position with balls 53 again held in engagement with the annular groove of the plunger stern. As is true in most instances, the fuel tank of an automobile will usually take some additional fuel after the automatic nozzle has been automatically shut off. This is normally fed by hand by the operator lifting valve lever 38 and holding it until the required amount of fuel is dispensed but without again engaging the latch.

The downstream end of plunger 36 is provided with a guide-stem 81 to which cone 74 is attached. Guide stem 81 engages a spider 82 which assists in maintaining the plunger and valve elements in axial alignment for long trouble-free service.

In the operation of the automatic nozzle according to the present invention, the nozzle is connected to the end of the flexible hose extending from a conventional gasoline pump. The valve is normally closed, as a result of spring loading. The nozzle may be operated manually simply by the operator lifting valve lever 38 and holding it until the desired amount of gasoline is dispensed. More likely the operator will utilize the automatic shut-off feature. When this is done, the operator, after inserting the spout in the tank to be filled, lifts the valve lever 38, lifts latch-arm 62 to the desired level depending upon the desired rate of flow and then releases lever 38 into At the same time, valve lever 38 is ordinarily unlatched and the plunger stem is snapped back into locked position with the plunger. Then, if necessary, the operator may hand-feed whatever additional gasoline may be necessary to fill the tank completely.

It is apparent that many modifications and variations of this invention as hereinbefore set forth may be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. The specific embodiments described are given by way of example only and the invention is limited only by the terms of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A combination valve and nozzle assembly for dispensing liquids from a flow line under pressure into a tank and adapted to shut oif automatically to prevent overflow, said assembly comprising:

(a) a valve body having a handle at one end and a dispensing spout at the other,

(b) a liquid passage through said valve body and normally closed valve means in said passage,

(c) said valve means including an annular valve seat and cooperating valve member moveable relative to one another,

(01) the moveable element of said valve means being supported by a longitudinally moveable rod-like plunger coaxial with said annular valve seat,

(e) a coaxial plunger stern detachably secured to said plunger and extending from said valve body into said handle,

(f) lever means pivoted in said handle and secured to said plunger stem for retracting said stem to open said valve,

(g) means to latch said lever means to hold said valve in open position, and

(h) vacuum actuatable means to unlock said plunger from said plunger stem to close said valve when the liquid in the tank being filled rises above a predetermined level.

2. A valve and nozzle assembly according to claim 1 further characterized in that said valve means is spring loaded into normally closed position and said lever means and plunger stem retract said plunger against spring pressure to open said valve.

3. A valve and nozzle assembly according to claim 2 further characterized in that (a) one end of said plunger is hollow and tubular and one end of said plunger stem fits telescopically therein,

(b) the tubular end of said plunger is provided with a plurality of holes spaced about its periphery and a spherical ball is disposed in each of said holes,

(c) the telescoping end of said plunger stem is provided with an annular grove into which said balls fit to lock said plunger and plunger stem together, and

(d) a slidable ring member is fit about said plunger about said holes to maintain said balls normally in locking position in engagement with the annular groove of said stem.

4. A valve and nozzle assembly according to claim 3 further characterized in that said slidable ring member is provided with an annular channel of increased diameter adapted to receive said balls when said ring member is moved longitudinally relative to said stem plunger to disengage said balls from said plunger stem to unlock said plunger from said plunger stem.

5. A valve and nozzle assembly according to claim 4 further characterized in that (a) said valve body is provided with a vacuum chamber in coaxial alignment with said valve seat,

(b) a resilient diaphragm is disposed in said vacuum chamber, and

(c) said ring member controlling locking of said plunger and plunger stem is secured to and moveable with said diaphragm.

6. A valve and nozzle assembly according to claim 5 further characterized in that further characterized in that (a) said plunger carries a member of decreasing crosssectional area positioned adjacent to and moveable with the moveable element of said valve means, and

(b) said member of decreasing cross-sectional area is disposed within the annular valve seat, whereby the rate of flow of liquid through said valve means may be varied.

8. A valve and nozzle assembly according to claim 5 further characterized in that (a) said means to latch said lever means to hold said valve in open position includes a latch arm,

(b) said latch arm being pivoted to move in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said plunger and stem into and out of engagement with said lever, and

(c) said latch arm being spring loaded to normally remain out of engagement with said lever to maintain said valve normally closed.

9. A valve and nozzle assembly according to claim 7 further characterized in that (a) said means to latch said lever means to hold said valve in open position includes a latch arm moveable into and out of engagement with said lever, and

(b) said latch arm carries a plurality of stepped plates, each of which is separately engagezable by said lever whereby said lever may hold said plunger stem retracted a different distance to hold said valve means open a diiTerent amount to vary the rate of flow through said valve.

10. A valve and nozzle assembly for dispensing liquids from a flow line under pressure into a tank and adapted to shut off automatically to prevent overflow, said assembly comprising: 4

(a) a valve body having a handle at one end and a dispensing spout at the other,

(b) a liquid passage through said valve body and valve means spring loaded to be normally closed in said passage,

(c) said valve means including a stationary annular valve seat and a cooperating moveable valve washer or disc,

(d) said valve Washer or disc being supported by a longitudinally moveable rod-like plunger coaxial with said valve seat, said plunger being hollow and tubular at one end with a plurality of holes spaced about its periphery and a spherical ball disposed in each of said holes,

(e) a coaxial plunger stem fit telescopically into said plunger and provided with an annular groove into which said balls fi-t to lock said plunger and plunger stem together,

(f) a slidable ring member fit around said plunger about said holes to maintain said balls normally in locking position in engagement with the annular groove of said stem, said ring member being provided with an annular channel of increased diameter adapted to receive said balls when said ring member is moved longitudinally relative to said plunger to disengage said balls from said plunger stem to unlock said plunger from said plunger stem,

(g) said valve body being provided with a cylindrical vacuum chamber in coaxial alignment with said valve seat and having a resilient diaphragm therein, said ring member controlling locking of said plunger and plunger stem being secured to and moveable with said diaphragm,

(h) a restricted flow passage in said liquid passage through said valve body to create a high velocity flow and a further passage extending from the throat of said restricted flow passage to said vacuum chamber and to an opening adjacent the end of said dispensing spout,

(i) lever means pivoted in said handle and secured to said plunger stem for retracting said stem to open said valve, and

(j) means to latch said lever means to hold said valve in open position.

11. A valve and nozzle assembly according to claim 10 further characterized in that (a) said plunger carries a member of decreasing crosssectional area positioned adjacent to and moveable with the moveable element of said valve means, and

(b) said member of decreasing cross-sectional area is disposed Within the annular valve seat, whereby the rate of flow of liquid through said valve means may be varied.

12. A valve and nozzle assembly according to claim 11 further characterized in that (a) said means to latch said lever means to hold said valve in open position includes a latch arm moveable into and out of engagement with said lever, and

(b) said latch arm carries a plurality of stepped plates, each of which is separately engageable by said lever whereby said lever may hold said plunger stem retracted a different distance to hold said valve means open a different amount to vary the rate of flow through said valve.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,363,123 11/1944 Franck 141215 X 2,710,019 6/1955 Reasoner et a1. 141220 X 3,118,475 1/1964 Hammond 141224 FOREIGN PATENTS 938,828 2/ 1956 Germany. 501,293 11/1954 Italy.

HOUSTON S. BELL, JR., Primary Examiner.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 3,451,444 June 24, 1969 Robert W. Murray It is certified that error appears in the above identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Column 1, line 33, "simplified" should be simplifies Column 5, line 2, after "respect", to is omitted line 73 "said stem plunger" should be said plunger Column 6 line 20 "spoout" shoulds he spout Signed and sealed this 4th day of November 1969.

(SEAL) Attest:

WILLIAM E. SCHUYLER, J R.

Commissioner of Patents Edward M. Fletcher, Ir.

Attesting Officer 

